The eleven fighters remaining in the arena looked at each other for a few seconds, making sure that no one was going to try a sneak attack. In the process, the turnbuckle that El Blaze had ripped from the corner of the ring regenerated, forming a complete ring again. When they were satisfied, everyone looked towards the entrance curtain as the next fighter made their first appearance.
“NESS!” (SSB)
The young psychic boy of the SSB node came out to a loud cheer. Waving to the crowd, Ness stepped down to the ring, baseball bat in hand.
“I’m not going to be in Brawl, so I’d best give the audience what they want.” Ness said to himself as he stepped into the ring.
Mewtwo saw Ness make his entrance and floated over. “Looks like we’ve made it into the ring together, Ness.” He said.
“Yeah. I’m surprised that you’ve lasted this long.” Ness nodded. “So what should we do, first?”
“Focus all of your attention on that music-playing Nobody.” Mewtwo replied, pointing at Demyx.
“But…He doesn’t like to fight.” Ness pointed out.
“Then how did he eliminate TWO people, one of which was that Guile guy from the Street Fighter node?” Mewtwo challenged.
“…Okay. Maybe you’re right.”
“ASH CRIMSON!” (KOF)
As soon as Ash stepped out from the curtain, an empty soda can (courtesy of Chizuru Kagura, whom was sitting near the ramp) ricocheted off the back of his head. Ash looked around, rubbing his head, at all of the people booing him.
“Is it just me or did this booing get WORSE from last year?” Ash asked himself as he walked down to the ring.
Seeing Ash make his entrance, Bowser smirked and walked over, towering over the red-clad Frenchman. “Look who it is.” The Koopa king chuckled. “You teamed up with Bison again, Crimson?”
Ash’s eyes snapped open. “How did you know about that?!” He demanded.
“Falco was part of the group that defeated Bison last year. He told everyone about it once we got back to the mansion.” Bowser replied. “Seeing how poorly you lot fared, I’m glad I didn’t make the move to join you.”
Ash growled and created a green flame in his hand. “Let’s see if you’ll change your mind in a few seconds.” He said.
“HAOHMARU!” (SS)
The samurai with the head of wild hair came out from the curtain and looked around at the people cheering. Haohmaru walked down to the ring and stepped in, pulling out his sword at the same time.
Once he was in the ring, Haohmaru broke into a run and charged at Watari. The silent ninja saw the samurai coming and whipped out his katana, blocking the samurai’s following attack.
“Hmm…Pretty quick moves, there.” Haohmaru noted. “You should prove to be a good fight.”
“I should be saying that to you.” Watari said, narrowing his eyes.
“I-NO!” (GG)
The majority of the males in the audience instantly started letting out catcalls and wolf whistles at the red-clad, guitar-wielding witch that emerged from the curtain. I-No smirked as she strutted down to the ring, preparing to unleash a barrage of musical attacks.
I-No made excellent time in choosing her target, as the instant she was in the ring, she went over to Demyx.
The sitar-playing Nobody looked up and saw I-No coming over. “Oh! You play the guitar, too?” He asked. “Are you a musician as well?”
I-No smirked and fingered the strings of her guitar. “You might say that.” She replied.
“WISE IDIOT!” (TFS)
Standing tall outside of the entrance curtain, the blue-faced, white-haired swordsman ran down to the ring and leapt in without a word.
Tigerman looked up from his fight with Sonic and saw Wise jump in. “Hey! Wise! A little help?” He asked.
“Sorry, Tigerman.” Wise said as he ran past. “I have an appointment with that wrestler from the Virtua Fighter node.”
El Blaze turned his head and saw Wise come running over. “Ah. This is gonna be good.” He said with a smirk. “Bring it on, sword-boy!”
“CHRIS LIGHTFELLOW!” (S3)
(She’s the kind of girl who takes a chance)
(She’s living for a harlequin romance)
(She believes in every lie she hears)
(Pour her a lie and she’ll drink it in…)
Like last year, the silver maiden came out to Wilshire’s ‘Ms. Innocence’. However, unlike last year, Chris was paying attention and cast a glare up at the Sound Booth, knowing that the song was chosen due to her gullibility and the fact that fanfic writer’s paired her with almost every man in Suikoden 3.
(Watcha gonna do when it all comes down?)
(Mr. Anybody won’t be around)
(When it comes crashing to the ground)
(Ms. Inocence)
(What have you…)
(Lost or found?)
When Chris hit the ring, she looked around for a few seconds before something tapped against her foot. Looking down, Chris found herself staring at a pink Bomb-omb.
“Uh…Can I help you?” Chris asked.
“Can we fight?” Bombette asked.
“Um…No offence, but you’re kinda small.”
“And since when did that matter in these things?” Bombette asked. “Don’t you have a seven year-old girl in your node that can take down most of the other residents of Budehuc?”
Chris pondered about Shabon, the little girl in question, for all of three seconds. “Okay. I stand corrected.” She admitted.
(Dome; Hallway)
“So where’re we going, now?” Cream asked as Kid USA led her along by the hand.
“The Eliminated Seating.” Kasumi replied. “We can take some of the people that were already eliminated and see if they can help out.”
“Too bad we didn’t think of that earlier when we were already there.” J. Maxx grumbled. “It would have saved us a LOT of time.”
“Well, there’s nothing we can do about it, now.” Kid USA sighed. “Let’s just get going and get more help.”
The small group continued through the hallway, hoping to get to the Eliminated Seating to add to their numbers. None of them showed it, but they were all nervous about their chances. Even with added help, taking down Bison would be a real chore, and the group was wondering if they were even capable of doing it.
Suddenly, everyone heard a voice coming from down the hallway as a lone figure approached.
“Oh, gimmie money. Lots of it.” Ryuji Yamazaki sang to himself with a smirk as he walked down the hallway with one hand in his pocket. “Oh, gimmie money.”
Yamazaki continued his signing as he walked past the group, and would have continued walking on his merry way had J. Maxx not decided to step in.
“Hey, Yamazaki! You doing a job for Bison again?” J. Maxx asked suspiciously.
Yamazaki froze as he turned to look at the group. He was about to make a snide reply when he suddenly caught a glimpse of the Master Emerald shard in Cream’s hands. A twisted smirk floated across his face.
“I am now.” Yamazaki replied as he reached out with one arm and grabbed the person closest to him, Maiagaru. In a flash, Yamazaki had pulled Maiagaru close to him, whipped out his dagger and brought it to the Japanese woman’s neck.
“Maiagaru!” Cream said in fear.
“Okay. This’ll be over nice and easy.” Yamazaki assured. “Hand over the gem and the little lady here won’t get hurt.”
Cream looked up at Kid USA, wondering if he knew what to do. The rabbit’s eyes widened when she saw that Kid was smirking. “What’re you smiling for?! Maiagaru’s in danger!”
“Cream, you don’t know her.” Kid USA said.
“Well? I’m waiting.” Yamazaki said.
Maiagaru chuckled, taking Yamazaki by surprise. “You actually think I am helpless?” She asked as she drove her elbow into the thug’s stomach, making him release her. Maiagaru spun around and clocked Yamazaki in the face with her boxing glove.
Yamazaki staggered to the side and smirked as he looked at Maiagaru. “Boy. We’ve got a real feisty one here.” He remarked.
“Okay. I am going to give you an extra punch for that one.” Maiagaru grunted as she got into her stance.
(The Arena)
“KOOPINATOR!” (PM)
Dee Jay looked up at the entrance ramp in surprise as the dark Koopatrol charged down to the ring and leapt in. He honestly didn’t think Koopinator had gotten such a close draw to himself.
Seeing Dee Jay, Koopinator ran over. “Having any luck?” He asked.
Dee Jay jerked his thumb at the Kanes. “I managed to get these two onto our side, mon.” He replied. “It’s definitely a start.”
“Whatever Bison’s planning, it can’t be good.” Billy shook his head. “He brainwashed Geese last year.”
“Is that why he didn’t enter this year?” Dee Jay asked.
“Yeah. He was worried the same thing would happen and he didn’t want to unintentionally hurt either of us.” Billy replied referring to himself and his sister.
“Well, it’s good to have you on our side.” Koopinator replied with a nod. “So what should we do now?”
“Well, Ash Crimson is over there.” Lilly pointed out. “He had a hand in the plan last year.”
“But he seems to be busy enough trying to fight off Bowser.” Billy added.
“LAU CHAN!” (VF)
Pai Chan’s aging father came out from behind the curtain and slowly made his way down to the ring, scanning it for a fight.
When he hit the ring, Lau looked around. Bowser was in the ring and could provide a good fight, but the Koopa king was the one that eliminated Lau last year, so the old man decided to pick a fight elsewhere.
“I could go help El Blaze, but that swordsman looks pretty tough.” Lau rubbed his chin, studying Wise Idiot.
Eventually, Lau decided to go over and help Demyx with I-No.
“And now, Mystery Fighter…Number…Thirteen!”
“GABBY JAY!” (Super Punch Out!)
The old boxer came out to a surprisingly loud cheer. Gabby Jay punched the air a few times and pumped his fists before making his way down to the ring. To say that Gabby Jay felt pumped was an understatement. He had done great in the last tournament and was really hoping that he could match his record.
When Gabby Jay hit the ring, Koopinator saw him come in. He was about to make his way over to eliminate him when Dee Jay held him back. “What is it?” He asked.
“Mon, he’s tougher than he looks.” Dee Jay replied. “He got FOUR eliminations last year.”
“Is that so?” Koopinator asked. “Hmm…Maybe he could make a decent team-mate then…”
Gabby Jay went over to fight Chris Lightfellow, whom had just knocked Bombette away. The silver maiden turned her head and saw him coming over. “Look, old man. I don’t want to hurt you.” She said. “Just go pick a fight somewhere else.”
“I’m a lot tougher than you think, lady.” Gabby Jay said with a smirk. “Come on!”
“GADGET Z!” (S3)
Thanks to his defeat at the hands of the Servbot, Gadget Z’s circuits were on the fritz. Much like last year, Gadget Z had been reduced to a malfunctioning robot.
“Rollin’, rollin’ rollin’. Rollin’, rollin’, rollin.” Gadget Z droned as he rumbled down to the ring. “Rawhiiiiiiiiide!”
Watari looked and slapped himself in the forehead as Gadget Z rolled over. “Great. He’s malfunctioning again.” He said.
“AaAaAaAah! I’m a touchy-feely-holic!” Gadget Z said, imitating Homsar from Homestar Runner.
Haohmaru, however, seemed confused by the small robot and gave him a poke with his sword. “What’s wrong with this thing?” He asked.
“I’m a-Wario!” Gadget Z said as he swung his hammer, slamming it into Haohmaru’s face. “I’m a-gonna win!”
“ALICE!” (BR)
The leading lady of Bloody Roar stood outside the curtain, adjusting the straps on her gloves. When satisfied, Alice ran down to the ring. However, halfway there, Alice jumped, engulfing herself in a white light.
Two big, furry paws hit the end of the ramp and performed a super-high jump, launching the transformed Alice high into the air.
Ash Crimson looked up. “What the?” He asked.
Alice landed directly in front of Ash, now transformed into a huge, white rabbit.
“Am I the only one that finds it ironic how a girl named Alice transforms into a white rabbit?” Ash asked himself before a big, furry paw slammed into his face.
“BLANKA!” (SFA3)
The green-skinned mutant of Street Fighter scratched himself a couple of times before curling into a ball and rolling down to the ring.
Blanka hit the ring and scampered over to fight Mewtwo. The psychic Pokemon looked and saw him coming. “Hmm…I’m picking up strong electricity readings coming from that thing.” He noted. “And yet I’m also picking up severe strength as well.”
“Yeesh. It’s like DK and Pikachu rolled into one.” Ness added.
“Indeed. This could prove to be interesting.” Mewtwo smirked as he approached the oncoming Blanka.
“JETTA MAX!” (EC)
Coming out to a decent-sized cheer, the blonde circus performer took a couple of deep breaths before running down to the ring. When she got close, Jetta leapt onto her hands and sprung herself into the ring, starting an instant flying kick.
Alice, still in her rabbit form, looked too late. Jetta’s foot collided with Alice’s chest, knocking her away and turning her back to her human form.
Ash sighed in relief as Jetta ran off to continue the fight with Alice. However, he paused in thought. “Why do I feel like I’m forgetting something?” He asked himself.
Bowser’s clawed hand wrapped around his head.
“Oh. Yeah.” Ash said.
(Hotel; Lobby)
“We always seem to be late when trying to get to these fights.” Gumshoe remarked, scratching his head. “Why IS that?”
“Because it puts more focus on the fighters for plot advancement?” Max supported.
“Yeah. I mean, we don’t really add much to the plot of this fanfic, anyway.” Psymon shrugged.
Gumshoe and Marilyn looked at each other before taking a step away from the two.
The security force had finally arrived at the hotel lobby to sto the fight between Gutsman and O’Chunks, only to see that the fight had already finished (Gutsman had already entered the ring by the time the security force had arrived). The force had spent the past several minutes trying to gather clues and information to what could have happened.
“Maybe we should try to stop this plot Bison’s brewing ourselves.” Max suggested. “That’ll make us more important to the plot.”
“Hey, it beats just wandering around the hotel and dome aimlessly, only showing up a few irrelevant times throughout the night.” Psymon nodded.
“These two are REALLY freaking me out.” Gumshoe pointed out.
“Guh.” Marilyn nodded.
Sergei would have agreed with Gumshoe as well, but he picked up a strong, familiar scent. It was the same scent he had picked up when the security force had encountered that monstrosity outside the Recovery Room, but just not as strong.
Looking towards the entrance to the dome, Sergei saw Earthquake walking towards the hotel with a couple of green gems in his hands.
“Man. Bison had better give me a reward for this.” Earthquake said. “With the amount of trouble I went through trying to get these, he had better be pleased.”
Hearing Bison’s name, Sergei narrowed his eyes and approached, knowing the huge thief was up to no good.
Earthquake looked and saw the gigantic rabbit, whom was just as tall as he was, coming over. “Uh…Can I help you?” He asked, trying not to sound suspicious.
Sergei responded by getting into a stance, holding up his huge fists.
“I knew the unsuspicious approach wouldn’t work.” Earthquake sighed as he put the Master Emerald shards in his pockets and pulled out his weapon.
(The Arena)
“HINAKO!” (KOF)
The blonde schoolgirl (and sumo wrestler) came out from behind the curtain and slapped her arms together in preparation as she ran down to the ring. Jumping into the ring, Hinako ran over to fight Ness.
The psychic boy saw Hinako coming over and turned around, holding his bat ready to attack. “You looking for something?” He asked.
“I’m just looking for a fight.” Hinako replied. “Can you keep me entertained for a while?”
Ness paused in thought for a couple of seconds before shrugging. “Fine. Let’s see what you can do.” He said.
“WOLFGANG KRAUSER!” (FF)
The pruple-haired nobleman strode down to the ring proudly, simply nodding to acknowledge the people cheering for him.
Lilly noticed Krauser come in and looked at her brother. “There’s Krauser, Billy.” Lilly said.
Billy looked and saw his boss’ step-brother in the ring and start a fight with Bowser. “Great! Maybe he can help us!” He said.
“You think he can be an ally?” Koopinator asked.
“He’s Geese’s step-brother.” Billy shrugged. “They’ve always been on good terms. He’s never really been one to turn down an offer to help me.”
“And now, Mystery Fighter…Number…Fourteen!”
“HARVEY BIRDMAN!” (Attorney At Law)
Every Hanna-Barbera fan in the audience instantly started booing the winged lawyer that appeared.
“How can all of these people boo me?” Birdman asked as he looked around. “I’ve been exposing all of those dirty secrets of those cartoon characters for years. And now I have the chance to do he same thing with these video game characters.” He made his way down to the ring, readying his fists. “Maybe I should start by exposing those Mario brothers of drug abuse with those mushrooms.”
Gabby Jay saw the lawyer come in and smirked, approaching as he pounded his fists together.
(Announcer’s Booth)
“Tinyrocket, why the heck did you invite that shmuck?” SSBFreak asked. “I thought you hated Birdman’s guts.”
“I do.” Tinyrocket said with a smirk.
“Your friend is almost as confusing as you are.” Unknown1 said to SSBFreak.
“Uh…Thanks…I…Uh…Think.” SSBFreak scratched his head.
(The Arena)
“J. TALBAIN!” (DS)
Letting out a loud howl, the blue-furred wolfman ran down to the ring on all fours and leapt in without a second thought.
Koopinator saw Talbain come in and smirked underneath his metal mask. “Shall I go challenge him?” He asked.
“Go right ahead, mon.” Dee Jay said. “I’m gonna go help Gabby Jay with that lawyer.”
J. Talbain looked ahead and saw Koopinator charging headfirst at him, the spike on his helmet sharp and at ramming speed.
The wolfman smirked. “Looks like the little guy’s wanting a fight.” J. Talbain said to himself. “Okay. Let’s see what he’s got.”
“JACK!” (WH)
The clawed maniac of World Heroes came out to a louder cheer than last year. Jack laughed as he ran down to the ring and jumped into the air, his target in sight before he was even in the ring.
Ash Crimson looked around. Jetta had knocked Alice away and Bowser was now preoccupied with Krauser. This left Ash with no one fighting him.
“Finally I get a breather.” Ash said. “Now maybe I can-”
“Hey, sunshine! Remember me?”
Ash’s eyes snapped open at the familiar cackle and turned to see Jack on a turnbuckle, grinning maniacally. Several memories of the last tournament went through Ash’s head, remembering the battle he and Jack had on top of the roofs of moving vehicles and how that ended.
“OH, FOR THE LOVE OF-” That was all Ash got out before Jack pounced.
“And now, the final fighter in this section…”
“MEGAMAN!” (MM)
(Yo, listen up. Here’s a story.)
(About a little guy that lives in a blue world)
(And all day and all night, everything he sees is just blue)
(Like him. Inside and outside)
To a loud cheer and Eiffel 65’s ‘I’m Blue’, Megaman came out from behind the curtain and ran down to the ring, charging his Mega Buster.
(Blue big house with a blue little window)
(And a blue corvette and everything is blue for him)
(For himself and everybody around)
(Cause he ain’t got nobody to listen)
When Megaman hit the ring, he looked around and saw that both Roll and Gutsman were eliminated. “Drat. I’m too late.” Megaman said to himself. “It looks like I’ll have to wait for Protoman, Bomb Man or Skull Man to enter to double-team.”
Sonic looked over and saw Megaman running up. “Look who it is. The so-called ‘True Blue Hero’.” He said with a smirk. “Care to back up that nickname against the REAL hero of blue?”
Megaman smirked. “You’re on, hedgehog!’
